Forces Mutual Employees Take On ‘Toughest Trail In Europe’

Two colleagues from Forces Mutual, a financial services company based in Lichfield, Staffordshire are set to take on the toughest long distance trail in Europe, the ‘Grande Randonee 20’, on August 24th. David Crisp (36) and Andrew Blackmore (50) will be trekking 180km across the mountainous Mediterranean island Corsica to raise money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers charity, the charity dedicated to supporting bereaved British Armed Forces children.

David and Andrew will be walking along the jagged spine of Corsica’s mountainous centre on the trek which is set to be seven days long. The aim to complete the trek in seven days (rather than the usual 15 it takes) means the pair will push themselves to the limit, walking 12-14 hours per day whilst carrying camping equipment.

The long distance trail is the latest in a number of challenges David has undertaken for charity which has included climbing peaks across the UK and a 20km swim last year. Scotty’s Little Soldiers was the charity which struck a chord with David this year and after researching the charity online he decided that he would raise money for children who have lost a parent in the British Armed Forces.

Founded by war widow Nikki Scott in 2010, Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports children across the UK who have lost a parent while serving in the British Armed Forces. The charity was set up in memory of Nikki’s husband and father to her two children, Corporal Lee Scott, after he was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. Scotty’s Little Soldiers was personally selected this year by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, as one of seven charities to receive donations from the Royal Wedding.

The Grande Randonee 20 in Corsica has the reputation of being the toughest trail of its kind in Europe and those who walk it expect a challenge consisting of towering pinnacles, deep forests, glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks.

Discussing the trek, David commented: “We can’t wait to begin and this year we’re really pushing ourselves. I’m a big believer that raising money for charity is something everyone can do. It feels good to be going the extra mile as part of this challenge.”

He continued: “Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a phenomenal charity and as soon as I heard about them I knew I wanted to raise money in some way. The feedback I’ve received from friends and colleagues, many of whom are ex-forces, has been overwhelming – it seems to really resonate with people what the charity is doing day to day for children.”

Charity founder, Nikki Scott said: “What David and Andrew are undertaking sounds like such a physical and mental challenge, we’re in awe of their drive to do this and so thankful that Scotty’s Little Soldiers is the charity they’ve chosen to raise money for. On behalf of the whole Scotty’s team we want to say a big thank you and wish the guys good luck on their incredible trek.”